Circulatory Massage ( Prerequisite for most classes)

This class or it's equivalent is prerequisite for most other massage classes.  This class teaches a basic circulatory massage routine from start to finish, with basic anatomical terms and definitions as they apply to massage.  Directional terms, terms of movement, basic bones, muscles and endangerment sites are taught in lecture and lab settings for this class.  Appropriate and professional dress and hygiene, and proper draping techniques are taught.  Upon completion, students will be able to give an hour-long, relaxing spa-like, massage with confidence.

Chair Massage

This class consists of 5 hours of classroom lecture and practice, followed by 20 hours of on-site, supervised, chair massage event participation.  In-class discussion will include: indications and contraindications, types of chair massage events and protocols, recommended supply list, event etiquette, vasovagal nerve reflex and first aid for fainting.  Class practice will teach a 10-15 minute chair massage routine including light, moderate, and deep techniques, stretching, proper body mechanics for therapists as well as hygiene, chair setup and client safety.

Advanced Circulatory Massage

A variety of massage modalities are introduced and taught in this class.  Students will learn in short workshop sessions: warm stone massage, advanced neck techniques, basic spa modalities, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, TMJ release, Raindrop technique, therapeutic stretching, seated chair massage, carpal tunnel techniques and other modalities.  Body mechanics and self-preservation techniques as well as dermatology and pathology for massage therapists, bookkeeping and business practices, communication and professionalism, ethics and CPR are also included.

Deep Tissue Massage

Students shall demonstrate and practice deep tissue massage techniques, including proper body mechanics, proper draping and lab anatomy review.  Techniques covered include: stripping (light to deep), deep transverse friction, trigger points, effleurage, petrissage, kneading, passive range of motion, various forms of tapotement, and therapeutic stretching.  Indications, contraindications, endangerment sites as well as self-preservations techniques and proper body mechanics will be emphasized. 

Eastern Modalities

This class will familiarize students with various forms of ancient and eastern healing techniques.  A number of different modalities will be discussed, taught or demonstrated.  This class will acquaint students with professional practitioners in various specialties and expose them to modalities in which they may want further education or training.  The eastern modalities discussed or taught include:  Thai Massage, Polarity, Reiki, introduction to Shiatsu, Ayervedic healing, Hand and Foot Reflexology, Tuina, Tai Chi and Qi Gong, Ear Coning and Cupping.  Students will demonstrate the ability to integrate various principles and techniques from these modalities into their basic massage routine as indicated.  Students will be able to identify when one method or technique would benefit the massage client or patient over another. 

Sports Massage

This class will compare an contrast various modalities used in sports massage, including Stretching, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (P.N.F.) Stretching, Compression, Deep Transverse Friction, Cross Fiber, Strain Counterstrain, Trigger Point Therapy, an Soft Tissue Release techniques.  Pre-event, intra-event, and post-event massage techniques will be taught.  Indications and contraindications for each technique will be discussed.  Knowledge of the principles of these techniques, combined with anatomical knowledge of muscular origins, insertions, and actions, will enable students to apply the techniques on various muscles on the body.  Sporting events ill be arranged for student participation as schedule permits.

Acupressure/Shiatsu

This class explores the study of energy meridians and teaches the ancient Japanese healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on these meridians to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities.  Major meridians and acupressure points are identified and discussed.  Precautions and contraindications are covered in this class.  Students will visit a well-established professional Shiatsu clinic, meet the owner, ask questions, experience and observe professional Shiatsu/Acupressure therapists at work.

Pregnancy Massage

Various stages of pregnancy are discussed with appropriate massage techniques including:  side lying, use of massage pillows and client comfort.  This class gives students the opportunity to practice under the supervision of the instructor, with women in various stages of pregnancy.  Contraindications and safety measures are discussed and emphasized. 

Infant Massage

The positive effects of massage allows babies to appreciate and experience tremendous love and feelings of security.  Infant cues, crying and behavior will be explored.   Massage for colic, premature and other special needs babies will be discussed.  Product selection and safety, as well as infant safety and security will be taught.  Arrangements will be made for students to pair-up and work with new mothers, helping them understand the benefits of infant massage and lean how to massage their baby.

Geriatric Massage

As the senior population grows and people live longer, the search is on for ways to cope with the issues associated with aging.  Understanding the special needs of the elderly is the focus of this class.  Massage increases superficial blood flow and lymphatic flow and causes an increase in red blood cell count and hemoglobin.  Over a period of time, massage increases serotonin levels as well as the absorption rate of medications.  The psychological benefits associated with touch, coupled with the physiological effects of manipulating the soft tissue of the body, make massage particularly important for the elderly.  This class will cover indications, contraindications and cautions.

Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi

Massage in the Hawaiian tradition is the focus of this class.  The flowing massage with total energy, using long continuous, flowing strokes, combined with the very loving touch, relaxes the entire being, assisting in a letting go of old beliefs, patterns and behaviors that cause limitations.  Students will learn to give an hour-long Lomi Lomi massage, which increases circulation and promotes lymphatic flow.  

Myofascial Release I

Students will understand the fascia system and demonstrate sensomotor interplay and myofascial unwinding of the structures of the body.   Students will learn and demonstrate different hand release holding positions to release each specific region of the body.  Students will demonstrate their ability to evaluate and analyze:  symptomatic evaluation criteria, structure evaluation, patient background information and tactile treatment.

Myofascial Release II

This class will teach advanced myofascial release techniques including:  evaluation of body movement, tissue texture analysis and skin mobility assessment.  Soft tissue mobilization techniques, J strokes, vertical and transverse stroking, bear claw technique, psoas release and scar release will be taught.

Thai Massage

Based on ancient Yoga and Ayervedic sciences, Thai massage incorporates everything from Yoga positions and Yoga therapeutic practices to Reflexology and Thai style foot massage.  Thai Massage treats the whole person in their entirety... mind, body and spirit.  Utilizing Thai stretches, students gain greater understanding of body movement and kinesiology.  The Thai Massage therapist is as much a part of the healing process as is the client.

Trigger Point Therapy

This class will examine the stages of degenerative process, non-muscular and muscular pain patterns, trigger point anatomy and physiology.  It will discuss neurology, biochemical, biomechanical, kinetic chain and treatment methods.  History taking and progress charting will be taught and practiced.  Fibromyalgia, nerve entrapment, referred pain and treatment will be discussed.  Treatment methods including roller table will be demonstrated.  Students will demonstrate identification, diagnosis, documentation and treatment of trigger point therapy conditions.

Pet Massage

This class focuses on the skills and information you will need to work professionally and confidently, with a variety of pets.  You will learn to help your clients learn to massage their pets.  In this course we cover basic anatomy and physiology of dogs and cats, Western, Asian and esoteric massage techniques and theories helpful in working with animals.  Charts and models as well as animal participants will be used for in-class learning.

Advanced Anatomy & Kinesiology

This class reviews the anatomical terms learned in the beginning Circulatory Massage class as well as Deep Tissue and Sports classes.  Additional muscles including origins, insertions and actions are covered.  An overview of each body system is discussed including, Integumentary, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary and Reproductive, discussing each systems structure, functions and relationship to massage.  This class is recommended for students wishing to take the National Certification Exam. 

MBLEX/National Certification Review Class

This class provides the student with a comprehensive review in preparation for the National Certification Exam and or MBLEX Exam covering the application process, procedures, fees and possible exam content.   Various methods of studying for the exam are discussed.  Students are introduced to various text and software review tools.  Potential test questions are reviewed from a variety of text sources.  Graduates who have most recently passed the National Certification Exam will be available to meet with the class for questions and answers.

Supervised Internship

Students participating in this internship opportunity will work closely with, and observe a variety of professionals in clinical or spa settings.  Arrangements will be made for students, nearly ready to graduate, to shadow professionals in the community and observe many aspects of their day to day function and operation.  Student internship arrangements will be flexible and varied based on the interest of the student.  Focus may include:  the business aspects of a massage or chiropractic office, specific modalities or techniques used by a practitioner, or focus on special needs patients.  The school and student will determine together the professional placement best suited to meet the interests and needs of the student.  One of the goals of this internship program is to facilitate the development of ongoing mentoring relationships, with working professionals in the community.

Aromatherapy I

Students will learn to identify various therapeutic uses of essential oils in the use of aromatherapy, demonstrate a variety of application techniques, understand indications as well as contraindications, identify most commonly used oils and will integrate therapeutic grade essential oils in their massage therapies.  Curriculum will include:  history of aromatherapy and essential oil use, production and distillation processes, science and application of oils, essential oil safety, first aid applications, basic oil composition, constituents and chemistry of essential oils. 

Aromatherapy II

Students will learn to utilize various processes for harvesting, distilling oils, and making their own tinctures.  A greater understanding of essential oil chemistry will be explored, studying vibrational frequency and frequency effects on pain and a variety of symptoms and disease processes.  Oil blending for specific results will be taught and applied.

Spa Modalities

The Spa industry has grown to become the largest employer of massage therapist today.  This Spa Modalities class will teach the basics of wet treatments used in a number of spas.  Such treatments will include:  Essential Oil and Mud Body Wraps, Salt Glow and Sugar Body Scrubs, and the ever popular Parafango Body Wrap.  Adjunct treatments such as hot Paraffin Hand Dip, the use of Warming Mitts, Peppermint Foot Massage and Foot Spa Treatment, and Scented Scalp and Facial Massage treatments will be taught.  Students will discuss product selection and use for various client's needs.  Private label and marketing product lines will be explored.  Client comfort, hygiene and safety concerns will be discussed. 

Warm Stone Massage

Throughout recorded history, people have selectively chosen stones for their healing and therapeutic properties.  Today that tradition continues in the practice of warm stone massage, a gentle art which combines the strength of smooth, warm stones applied gently to tired or stressed muscles.  Students will learn how to select their own therapeutic stones.  Stone safety and sanitation will be discussed.

Lypossage

This body contouring class will teach students a protocol which will help healthy individuals reduce cellulite, resulting in measurable inch loss.  the class will discuss the history of Lypossage and the founder's documented research.  Students will understand how this hands-on technique differs from liposuction and various body-contouring machines.  Three body zones will be identified and taught separately utilizing various techniques including:  tapotement, compression, deep kneading, lymph movement, skin rolling and plucking.  Students will learn how to screen clients, take measurements and document progress and findings.  Basic practice building techniques and product promotion will be discussed.  

Marketing & Business Practices

This class covers the many aspects of massage therapy practices, either as an employee, independent contractor, or self-employed.  Students will learn the basics of marketing a massage practice or assist in marketing a spa or chiropractic office for which they may work.  Concepts such as goal setting, business and financial planning, marketing and business management will be discussed.  Students will create their own business cards, develop a resume, prepare fliers and other marketing tools and create a business plan.  Massage trends and attributes of a successful professional will be discussed, along with goal setting, personal mission, professionalism and customer service.  Such topics as establishing value, price setting, meeting client expectations, and massage training and technique will be explored.  Use of appointment book, newsletters and other professional tools will be evaluated.  Rebooking and referral skills and tools will be taught.  Students will practice and become comfortable introducing and promoting their business.  Basic accounting and bookkeeping practices will be taught

Nutrition & Integrative Health

Students will discuss and learn basic nutritional concepts to better understand the philosophy of holistic health and it's relationship to massage therapy.  Supplements and popular herbs are discussed.  This class will visit a Chinese Herbologist to see how Traditional Chinese Medicine has been practiced for centuries.

Reflexology

This class covers the basic theory and practice of reflexology.  It teaches the component zones and reflex points in the feet, warm up strokes, reflex point correlations with body organs and proper positioning during treatment or application.  Students will learn a 30-40 minute foot reflexology routine and will be able to identify reflex points or tailor a reflexology session based on symptoms or areas of focus.  Students will have an opportunity to meet at the office of an experienced reflexologist, and receive a professional reflexology session.

Reiki

This class explores Reiki energy work, a Japanese healing technique using spiritually guided life energy.  Reiki helps to harmonize body, mind and spirit and may be given from practitioner to recipient or used for self-healing.  Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is used by pre and post surgical nurses to help hospital patients adjust to the trauma of surgery.  Students in this class will utilize traditional Reiki symbols to apply this technique and will practice at different levels between attunements.